Perspex Distribution are continuing to fly the flag for UK print and manufacturing. In a first for the UK print market, it will now be possible to purchase UK manufactured aluminium composite sheets with Perspex Distribution stocking Alupanel® aluminium composite. Following the opening of a new multimillion pound production facility by multipanel UK, Alupanel® is the only range of aluminium composite to be produced in the UK.
Well known for supplying over 150 different variants of Perspex® Cast Acrylic – made in Lancashire for over 85 years – Perspex Distributions’ ever expanding range of substrates is helping them make increasing inroads into the print market. The company’s range of wide format print substrates has continued to evolve – now boasting Alupanel® aluminium composite and Palight® PVC foam with a ‘made in the UK’ stamp of approval.
This local supply chain ensures optimum quality control from raw material to end products as well as fast availability for special requirements – key in today’s fast moving print market - supporting print strategy for reliable stock availability from distribution partners.
“Being a UK based company ourselves, we are proud of the heritage and quality that is recognised from our Perspex® brand – its use dating as far back as spitfire canopies in WWII,” explains Perspex Distribution Director Craig Dodson, “We are excited to be working closely with Multipanel UK as they move production to the UK and launch a new chapter in their history.”
As their customers testify, they don’t just distribute materials – they give in-depth technical advice about products and applications – working alongside print companies to understand how to get the best results.
Wide format print technology continues to evolve at astounding speed, rigid substrates must respond to machinery developments to produce the best possible finish for digital print, wide format and screen printers. Perspex Distribution recognise printers are making significant investments in the latest print machinery; it is therefore paramount to provide them with the best materials on the market.
Alupanel® aluminium composite is an incredibly rigid, flat and smooth surface sheet used widely by wide format printers for signage, shopfitting and display graphics.
Relocating its manufacturing operation from China to a new, cutting edge, high speed production line, Multipanel UK uses the most advanced technology in the industry to
efficiently produce 5 million square metres of aluminium composite panels a year.
Not only will this move enhance the already high standards of Alupanel® products, thanks to the use of the very best raw materials from European suppliers, but it will also reduce delivery times and enable Perspex Distribution to respond more quickly to market demands.
Multipanel Managing Director, Andrew Cock, explains “The UK is renowned for its quality manufacturing and we are delighted to be opening this facility in Dover. Alupanel® will be the only product of its kind to be made in the UK and manufacturing here will enable us to provide our customers with an unrivalled product in terms of quality and service.”
“Product development for substrates is now for flatter and whiter sheets that remain dimensionally stable while being printed. The entire white Alupanel® aluminium composite range is produced in an ultrawhite finish as standard for brighter digital print plus an easy peel film for further time saving in print workshops.” ?
“Our business depends on providing customers with a quality product when they need it,” continues Dodson. “This new facility will provide an additional stability to stock levels as well as reducing manufacturing times for special lengths by up to 75%. We are delighted that Multipanel UK have chosen to take advantage of the quality manufacturing available in the UK”. ?
A prime example of the production benefits from the new factory is the newest product in the Alupanel® range – Alupanel® A-Lite – a 0.2mm aluminium skin using premium A5005 marine grade alloy. Sourcing a superior alloy skin means the product can be worked with ease, unlike some similar sheets from alternative manufacturers. ?
Perspex Distribution and Multipanel UK will be showcasing their latest range of products at next month’s Sign & Digital show at the NEC – stand J40. They encourage all printers to come along and learn more about the benefits of UK production. ?
Managing Director Keith Piggott summarises the secrets of Perspex Distribution’s continued success, “We ensure that our staff, at all levels, have a high degree of involvement with the business through regular meetings where our business strategy, performance and results are advised to them and in forums where their input is encouraged. There is a desire to pursue excellence, to produce a first class return to shareholders together with a good, safe, enjoyable, rewarding and motivating environment for the staff.”
?“We believe that our commitment to quality and expertise, even through challenging years, provides us with a strong foundation for further growth in the years to come. We are optimistic about the future and the investment for growth by our business and partners such as Multipanel is testament to the confidence we have in the print sector.”
For more information contact Perspex Distribution at www.perspex.co.uk or visit stand J40 at Sign and Digital Show.
Spotlight on: Multipanel UK Dover Factory
- The only Aluminium Composite produced in the UK?
- 10,000sqm facility?• Opened in February 2014?
- Annual capacity is 5 million sqm of Alupanel® Aluminium Composite
Multipanel UK Ltd has commenced production of its range of Alupanel® aluminium composite panels at a new production site near Dover in Kent (England). The multi-million pound investment project includes the latest technology with the world’s most productive aluminium composite extrusion line. Not only does the speed of production increase efficiencies, the fully automated production process means no human error from raw material mixing all the way through to stacking the finished product. The panels are not handled before reaching distributors, further maintaining print quality of the substrate.
Perspex Distribution: The Service
- Large stock holding across a range of sheet materials and LED lighting - we know that material is often required at short notice so we maintain high stock levels to enable fast delivery for all orders.
- Cut to size panel service, typically within 24 hours - our 4 regional service centres are fitted with the latest Schelling beam saws to accurately cut panels that are virtually swarf free.
- Bespoke colour matching service - we work closely with all our product manufacturers and will work with clients to produce samples and special production runs when bespoke colours are required.
- Product innovation – listening to printer feedback for improved product features
- Alupanel® Easy peel film – saving user time and eliminating film marks once printed
- Ultrawhite finish – optimised print surface a standard finish on all Alupanel products
- Alupanel® A-Lite – meeting requirements for a lightweight product with fabrication capability
UK Produced Print Materials Within Perspex Distribution Range
- Perspex® Cast Acrylic– Manufactured in Lancashire?• Alupanel® Aluminium Composite - Manufactured in Kent
- Palight PVC Foam – Manufactured in County Durham?
- Polycarbonate – Manufactured in South Yorkshire?• Rigid PVC – Manufactured in County Durham